Meanwhile.... back in Switzerland. Hey guys, more pics from around here lately. This is Les Paccots, an area where I often take the dog out for a serious walk or go for a short getaway hike. I didn't get to the mountains nearly as much as I would have liked last year but I hope to do a little bit more this year. Les Paccots is not too high up and the snow season has been quite low this year as you can see, lots of dry patches. Still seriously oh so pretty! Happy trails everyone. TM x

Hello Everyone. Hope the start of your new year is going ok despite all of the change and uncertainty happening all around the world. This blog is not a place to discuss politics at all but I feel compelled to acknowledge things at least before I can even write another word or snap another picture.

Along with a few of my personal favourite 2017 new year resolutions, like carrying my camera with me everywhere, I am excited to make a fresh start for my blog, my creative journal, my behind the scenes, where I hope to continue to share my photography journey with you. So here goes...

Thought I'd start sharing more pics of where I live in Switzerland. Some of you have asked what's it like and I would love to show you the views and share what I've been up to out here. But wait, first here's a bit of background for those who may be just joining me on here. Originally from California, I have been living abroad now for 17 years!! Oh wow... when I say that out loud, I just can't believe it but it's true : / I think the term is called "expatriate" as we are not immigrants nor migrants. We have not given up our home citizenship or passports with intent to seek another citizenship nor are we fleeing war or economic hardships. We follow employment with visas through my husbands career in advertising and we have lived and worked in South East Asia and Europe for most of this time. I am American and my husband is British and we have raised three children moving around like this. I think the term for my children is "third culture kids" as they were born from two different cultures in addition to growing up in a third different culture. Confused yet? I'm not sure how to explain it, our life just worked out like this. It's been up and down and amazing and difficult just like any other life. The photographs above are from in and around our current little rented house in a small town on Lake Geneva in the French speaking part of Switzerland. We are surrounded by forest, lake and mountains, it's super lovely and quiet and I feel very lucky to be here. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Where I live now there is a tiny little village nearby where the most lovely Hollywood Golden Age starlet used to reside. Audrey Hepburn lived at her charming 18th century ivy-covered villa, La Paisible, which means "peaceful" in French for the latter 30 years of her life. The small village of Tolochenaz is located near Morges in the French speaking part of Switzerland on Lake Geneva. My daughter and I went there recently to take a peek at Hepburn's beautiful home and pay our respects to the most charming, stylish, sweetest actress ever. This is not a tourist site and our visit was incredibly quaint and very spontaneous. In the village square there is a statue bust commemorating Audrey and then as you walk further down a small road you will find La Paisible, just behind a low stone wall. The villa is so picturesque, a large old farmhouse with light blue shutters and an amazing garden brimming with trees and flowers. For all of you Audrey fans out there, you might know what I'm talking about here, for what we found was moving and a real inspiration. I took some pictures and my daughter borrowed my trench coat for some Audrey inspired looks. It was so quiet there as we walked through the village and discussed what a lovely cinematic fashion icon Audrey was and why it only takes "Sabrina", "Roman Holiday" and "Breakfast At Tiffany's" to see what all the fuss is about. Thank you Audrey Hepburn for all the grace, humanity, beauty and inspiration that you have given.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others;For lips, speak only words of kindness;and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

-Audrey Hepburn

1954 Oscar acceptance speech from Audrey Hepburn for Best Actress in Roman Holiday.

Hello from Switzerland. We finally made it up to Verbier! I have made this small photo journal with some of my impressions. Hope you enjoy. For those in the know, Verbier is THE place for winter sport resort. It's hip and happening and down right riche. But beyond all the glamour and glitz, I found a mountain that feels like home, very chilled and very cordial. With just one hour's drive from our house, we woke early, packed the car, coffee to go and hit the road. We had a ski lesson booked for the kids at 10am and a forest walk mapped out for me and the pup. It was the perfect getaway. The forest walk was beautiful and we ended the trail at a lookout point where we could watch all the skiers coming down off their run. It was here at this moment when I became convinced that I will never ski but instead I will snowboard! And I cannot wait for the next time we're on that mountain so I can ride again after all these years. Check back here to see how I will make that happen! : ) After our walk in the evergreens, my dog and I hung out at the W Hotel and had a warm cuppa while we waited for the kids to come off the slopes. Then over a late lunch at the legendary Offshore Cafe, we talked and laughed about all the fun they had had skiing, before heading back down the mountain and back home. Fab day out, so highly recommended, we love Verbier! Go pack your bags!

Featuring a few images from my Instagram gallery and my wintery views from around here lately. Switzerland is so freaking enchanting... had to share! Keeping warm, keeping busy and enjoying all the winter beauty. Go February!! xox

Welcome

Hi, I'm Tanya, author of TM Pictures and blog. I am a freelance photographer from California currently living in Switzerland. Here I share my love of photography, recent projects and musings of life abroad.